Mr Simon Kutscher (Lithman)

Who was Simon Kutscher?

Simon Kutscher, also known as Simon Lithman, was a 27 (twenty-seven) year-old Russian baker who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. As a third-class passenger, Kutscher’s story is one of many that highlights the diverse backgrounds of those aboard the ill-fated ship.

Early Life and Background

A Baker from the Russian Empire

Simon Kutscher was born in 1884 within the vast Russian Empire. While details of his early life are scarce, we know that by adulthood, he had established himself as a skilled baker. This profession would take him far from his homeland and eventually lead him to board the Titanic.

Family Life in Scotland

By 1911, Kutscher had settled in Scotland with his family. The 1911 Scottish census provides a glimpse into his life:

• Wife: Lottie, born around 1885 in Austria
• Daughter: Rachael, born circa 1909 in France
• Son: Solly (possibly Solomon), born circa 1910 in Edinburgh

The Kutscher family resided at 41 Carnegie Street, Edinburgh, where Simon continued his work as a baker.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Simon Kutscher on the Titanic?

Simon Kutscher boarded the Titanic at Southampton, England, with hopes of reaching New York City. He traveled under the name Simon Lithman, possibly to simplify his surname for immigration purposes.

Ticket and Accommodation Details

• Class: Third Class
• Ticket Number: 251
• Fare: £7 11s (7 pounds, 11 shillings)

As a third-class passenger, Kutscher would have experienced more modest accommodations compared to those in first and second class. However, even Titanic’s third-class facilities were considered superior to many other ships of the time.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Simon Kutscher on the night of April 14-15, 1912?

Tragically, Simon Kutscher did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a third-class male passenger, his chances of survival were significantly lower due to the “women and children first” protocol and the limited access to lifeboats for those in steerage.

Simon Kutscher died in the sinking and his body, if recovered, was never identified.

The exact circumstances of his final moments remain unknown, like those of many victims of the disaster.

Legacy and Unanswered Questions

The Fate of the Kutscher Family

One of the most poignant aspects of Simon Kutscher’s story is the uncertainty surrounding his family’s fate. The article content notes:

What became of his family remains unknown.

This leaves us with several unanswered questions:

• Did Lottie and the children remain in Edinburgh?
• Were they aware of Simon’s plan to travel to New York?
• How did they cope with the loss of their husband and father?

These questions underscore the far-reaching impact of the Titanic disaster on families across the world.

Simon Kutscher’s Place in Titanic History

While Simon Kutscher may not be one of the most well-known passengers of the Titanic, his story represents that of many immigrants who saw the ship as a passage to a new life in America. His experience as a third-class passenger and his tragic fate serve as a reminder of the disproportionate impact the disaster had on those traveling in steerage.

Simon Kutscher’s journey from the Russian Empire to Scotland, and his final voyage on the Titanic, illustrates the complex tapestry of lives affected by one of the most famous maritime disasters in history. His story, though incomplete, continues to intrigue historians and Titanic enthusiasts, serving as a poignant reminder of the human cost behind the statistics of that fateful night in April 1912.